All the Stars

If you love dresses with cutesy prints, Draper James can deliver! The Reese Witherspoon brand, known for catering to Southern women, is more charming than chic, with many items feeling like they would be equally at home on a little girl as opposed to an adult woman. I still like many of the pieces, though, like this fit and flare stars dress that came out right in time for July Fourth.

Outfit Details

Dress: Draper James Oh My Stars Fit and Flare Dress

I bought the dress during a recent Dillard's clearance sale for under $50 (retail price: $135), so I missed wearing it around the Fourth, but I think the stars pattern is one that can still work all summer long.

The stars boast a seersucker print that is not that apparent in the photos, which is why I'm wearing my light blue Schutz sandals to match. Hey, if you're going to go cutesy, you might as well go matchy-matchy, too.

Find the dress (in limited sizing) on the Draper James website, and it's also still available at Dillards.com for just $47.25. If you can, try the dress on to find your best size. I'm wearing a size two, which feels too big in the waist and too tight in the bust. Oh well.

Sandals: Schutz Cadey-Lee High Heel Dress Sandals

Make It Simple

Fashion shouldn't be complicated -- it should just follow one specific rule:

Wear what makes you feel good (confident, beautiful, sexy... insert any superlative here).

I definitely have a lot of fit and flare dresses in my closet, as many people often remark.

BUT... The "fit and flare" is my favorite silhouette, as it suits my frame, shows off my best assets, and doesn't require me to wear Spanx underneath.

Today's dress is probably a version of one I have worn before, but I liked the delicate print, with its combination of gold, beige and blue. Plus, I got a great deal on it.

Dress: French Connection Niko Fit and Flare Dress

I paid just $40 for the dress on Amazon, where it's still available in select sizes, though not at the very low price I paid. You can also find the dress at the following retailers:

• Belk
• Lord & Taylor
• Nordstrom

The French Connection USA site is selling a different version of the dress: same print, more conservative design.

Shoes: Schutz Cadey-Lee Dress Sandals

I actually wore my blue Zara jacket over the dress as I walked into work this morning. It's been chilly here in Atlanta lately. The last summer of my 30s is definitely behind me. Sigh!